California was a ‘last-minute’ trip—and it ended up being an amazing week covering Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Shabbos in Malibu, and San Diego.
Flying Into San Diego to Visit Los Angeles
We booked our tickets pretty last minute using American Airlines points, so the flights were a bit expensive. Flights into San Diego had much better availability than Los Angeles, and since San Diego is less than two hours away, we decided to fly there instead.
We were already planning to finish our trip in San Diego, so it really only added a two-hour drive at the beginning of the trip.
We landed in San Diego on Tuesday night, rented a car, and drove approximately two hours to Santa Monica, where we would be staying for the next three nights.
Pro Travel Tip: You can Stop at Ralph’s on the way out of San Diego- it’s only a half mile out of the way. Ralph’s carries a huge selection of kosher food including Deli, Takeout, sushi, baked goods & pizza. We’ll post more about that at the end of the post.
We stayed at the Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica. The hotel was very decent the room was nicely decorated and everything was clean but we were unimpressed with the service and grounds.
Cash rates were approximately $500 per night, but it was only around 25,000 Hyatt points per night, making it a pretty solid points redemption.
Valet parking at the hotel was expensive, so we found street parking instead.
Day 1: Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive & Herzog Winery
Because our ‘internal clocks’ were still on Eastern Time, we woke up early and picked up breakfast from the Pico area, approximately a 15-minute drive from our hotel.
Los Angeles has two main Jewish areas:
- Pico-Robertson, the city’s main kosher-food hub, with dozens of restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and takeout options
- La Brea/Hancock Park, another major frum neighborhood located closer to Hollywood, but a little farther from our hotel in Santa Monica
Pico-Robertson definitely has the larger kosher selection, but there are plenty of kosher restaurants, bakeries, and stores throughout both areas.
There are also plenty of kosher restaurants outside these neighborhoods, as well as a large supermarket with an extensive kosher selection in Santa Monica, but this gives you a general idea of where most of LA’s kosher options are at.
We picked up breakfast from Schwartz Bakery. They had delicious bagels and what may have been the best cream cheese we’ve ever had.
Santa Monica Pier
We arrived at the Santa Monica Pier at approximately 8:30–9:00 AM – since we were still operating on Eastern Time
The beach was practically empty, and the pier was still very quiet. It was a beautiful, relaxing way to experience it before the crowds arrived.
We bought a customized keychain souvenir for only $9, and we paid a fisherman $20 to show the boys how to fish.
The amusement rides don’t open until around 11:00 AM, so we didn’t wait around for them. At the time of our visit, the Ferris wheel was $18 per person, and the roller coaster was $10 per person. Tickets are sold per ride rather than as one admission price.
The Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of those places you should see at least once. We spent approximately two hours there, which felt like the perfect amount of time.
There are also plenty of people and companies renting bicycles near the pier, which could be a really nice and relaxing way to explore the beach and surrounding area.
Rodeo Drive
Next, we headed to Rodeo Drive, one of the most famous and exclusive luxury-shopping streets in the world.
We spent approximately two hours walking around and checking out the stores. My husband used this opportunity to to prank me by hiring two bodyguards 🙂
After shopping we stopped at Nagilla Pizza in Pico (LA) to get some Lunch, and headed towards Oxnard for dinner.
Herzog Winery in Oxnard
From Rodeo Drive, we drove approximately 90 minutes to Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard for supper. We were celebrating our son’s siyum on Mishnayos, and it was the perfect place for the occasion!
The drive was a little long, so we made a quick stop at Pita Bu in Malibu, where we grabbed some fries and Cholov Yisroel soft-serve ice cream before continuing.
The drive to Oxnard via Malibu was gorgeous since it’s all along the coastline. At one point we noticed a large sand dune where many visitors were hanging out. We took the opportunity to pull over and enjoy a small climb.
We continued on to Oxnard and while it was a drive, we highly recommend making the trip
The self-guided winery tour was genuinely fascinating, and the restaurant had an incredible atmosphere. The food was top-notch, and they offer wine pairings with each dish, which made the entire experience even more special.
See the video below for a recap of our first day.
We drove about 50 minutes to our hotel, and called it a night.
Day 2: Universal Studios
Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood
Thursday was our Universal Studios Hollywood day. I had visited many years ago, but it was the first time for the rest of the family, so everyone was really excited.
Before heading to the park, we stopped at a nearby kosher market to stock up on food and snacks for the day. We also ordered large, hot pretzels from The Bagel Factory through Uber Eats. One of its locations was relatively close to our Santa Monica hotel, making it an easy option before we left.
Kosher Note: The Bagel Factory’s dairy products are Cholov Stam, so keep that in mind depending on your personal kashrus standards.
Universal Studios ended up being an amazing family day. We were lucky that the lines were relatively short, so we managed to experience many of the park’s best rides, shows, and attractions without spending the entire day waiting.
After visiting the park ourselves and speaking with many other people, here is our list of the attractions you should prioritize:
Our Favorite Universal Studios Attractions
1. WaterWorld
The WaterWorld show was absolutely epic. It includes live actors, boats, explosions, fire, stunts, people flying through the air, and even an airplane… You gotta see it to believe it. If you only have time for a few attractions, make sure WaterWorld is on your list.
Pro Tip: Some seats are clearly marked as splash-zone seats, and they are not joking around! If you sit there, be prepared to get seriously wet. The lower you sit, the wetter you will get.
2. The World-Famous Studio Tour
The Studio Tour was another major highlight and probably one of the most unique attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The tour lasts close to an hour and takes you through real working film sets. Along the way, you see famous streets, vehicles, props, special effects, and several surprises. It was fascinating, entertaining, and completely different from a regular theme-park ride. We thought it was unreal and definitely worth making time for.
Watch our day 2 video recap to get a feel for our experience!
3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The entire Harry Potter area is incredibly well done. Even if you aren’t a huge Harry Potter fan, the buildings, shops, music, and overall atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
The main Harry Potter ride was one of our favorites and is definitely worth doing.
4. Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is really cool to walk through and experience. The bright colors, moving characters, sounds, and incredible attention to detail make the entire area feel like a real-life Mario game.
It can get crowded, but it’s absolutely worth seeing—especially if you’re visiting with kids (or anyone who grew up playing Mario :))
Kosher food in Universal: Universal Studios does not have a large selection of certified kosher. We recommend bringing your own food. They are chilled with bringing in bags…
We did spot some packaged kosher ices and frozen ices at various stands throughout the park. See our photos for some of the kosher options we found during our visit.
Between the short lines, the incredible Studio Tour, and the unbelievable WaterWorld show, Universal Studios was one of the highlights of our trip.
See our full video recap here!
Day 3: Hollywood, the Reagan Presidential Library & Shabbos in Malibu
Friday was a busy day. We started in Hollywood, continued to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and then headed to Malibu to settle into our Airbnb before Shabbos.
We began the morning on Hollywood Boulevard at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the sidewalks are lined with stars honoring famous actors, musicians, directors, and other major names in entertainment. We only cared about one star… Mickey Mouse!
The area is always hopping and is similar to Times Square. There were street performers, costumed characters, souvenir stores, tour operators, and plenty of people trying to get your attention.
The walk of Fame is a great place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs as most items are around $5. If you’re looking to bring home some touristy LA themed gifts then this is the place to shop.
Our Private Hollywood Hills Tour
We decided to take a private, one-hour tour through the Hollywood Hills.
Instead of using one of the larger hop-on, hop-off tour buses, we found a private guide with an old convertible.
The private tour cost us approximately $180 (when paying cash) for the entire family. While that initially sounded expensive, the larger bus tours charge per person, so with our family of 4 it would have cost us more.
Our guide drove us through the hills, pointed out celebrity homes and famous locations, and brought us to several spots with beautiful views of Los Angeles. We also stopped at a great viewpoint where we took pictures with the famous Hollywood Sign in the background.
It was only an hour, but it gave us a fun overview of Hollywood without taking up our entire Friday.
Pro Tip: Before automatically booking a per-person bus tour, compare the total price with a private tour. For a family, a private car may cost about the same—or even less—and you’ll have a more personal and flexible experience.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
From Hollywood, we drove approximately one hour to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
This ended up being one of the most fascinating and impressive stops of our entire California trip.
From the moment we arrived, the experience felt incredibly presidential. There was security, the staff members were extremely polished and welcoming, and many wore official-looking pins. The entire property had a classy, formal atmosphere that made it feel as if we were attending an official White House event.
We spent 2-3 hours exploring the museum, and if it hadn’t been Friday, we probably would have stayed even longer.
The museum covers Ronald Reagan’s entire life—from his childhood and acting career to his years as governor of California and, eventually, president of the United States. There were tons of personal belongings, historical documents, photographs, videos, and fascinating artifacts.
One of the most epic items on display was the jacket President Reagan was wearing when he was shot during the 1981 assassination attempt.
During our visit, the library also had a special exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, which made the experience even more special.
Walking Through Air Force One
One of the biggest highlights was getting to walk through the actual Air Force One aircraft used by 7 United States presidents.
The massive plane is displayed indoors, yet it looks as though it is suspended in midair. You can walk directly through it and see where the president worked, held meetings, communicated with government officials, and traveled around the world.
We also got to see Marine One, the presidential helicopter, along with presidential vehicles and other fascinating pieces of American history.
This wasn’t just a museum where you read signs and look through glass. Being able to physically walk through Air Force One and a Replica of the Oval Office, made the entire experience feel real and brought presidential history to life for both the adults and the kids.
Incredible Views
The library sits high above the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the views from the property are unreal.
Even if you aren’t especially interested in politics or presidential history, the building, aircraft, exhibits, and scenery make this an incredible place to visit. It was educational without feeling boring and ended up being the perfect Friday activity.
Pro Tip: Give yourself at least three to four hours here. We had to keep moving because it was Friday and we still needed to reach Malibu before Shabbos, but we easily could have spent more time exploring.
Heading to Malibu for Shabbos
After leaving the Reagan Presidential Library, we headed toward Malibu, where we had rented an Airbnb for Shabbos.
After a packed day of Hollywood tours, presidential history, and plenty of driving, we were ready to slow down, settle into the house, and prepare for Shabbos in California’s most beautiful city!
Day 4: Shabbos in Malibu
For Shabbos, we stayed in an oceanfront Airbnb less than a five-minute walk from Chabad of Malibu.
There are several rental options in the immediate area, many of which are managed by Stay Awhile Villas and listed under names such as SA. You can find their properties on Airbnb as well as through the company’s own website.
Our Airbnb was directly on the water in an incredibly quiet and peaceful part of Malibu. We had a large private porch overlooking the ocean, and we could hear the waves crashing below us throughout Shabbos.
It was absolutely amazing.
Malibu is normally known for its beaches, celebrity homes, and beautiful coastal drives, but experiencing it this way was something completely different. Once we stopped driving and turned off our phones for Shabbos, we could truly appreciate how beautiful and peaceful the area was.
Sitting outside, relaxing on the porch, and listening to the waves made it one of the most memorable Shabbosos we’ve experienced while traveling.
Finding an Airbnb Near Chabad
If you’re planning to spend Shabbos in Malibu, staying within walking distance of Chabad is obviously extremely important. Especially since there is no eruv. Fortunately, there are multiple Airbnbs and vacation rentals nearby, including many oceanfront options.
Pro Tip: If you’re comfortable booking at the last minute, keep checking the prices as your travel dates get closer. Malibu beachfront rentals can be expensive, but we were told by local pros that rates can drop significantly if there’s still availability close to the weekend
Of course, waiting comes with the risk that everything will sell out—especially during busy weekends—but last-minute availability can sometimes lead to a much better deal.
Shabbos at Chabad of Malibu
Chabad had a warm and enjoyable Shabbos atmosphere.
It is a smaller and more intimate experience than some of the larger Chabad houses we have been to, but that was part of what made it so nice. We met visitors from different places, and everyone had time to talk and get to know one another.
The rabbi and his wife are truly special people. They were warm, welcoming, and made everyone feel comfortable throughout Shabbos.
The food was solid, and reasonably priced—especially for Malibu. For our family of two adults and two children, the meals for the entire Shabbos cost approximately $320.
Havdalah—With a Little Help
We realized a little too late that we had forgotten our Havdalah set at home.
Thankfully, another wonderful family was staying at a nearby Airbnb, so we basically crashed their Havdalah 🙂 They graciously welcomed us, and that officially wrapped up an unforgettable Shabbos in Malibu.
Afterward, my husband ordered Via Uber Eats a ‘western burger’ from the famous Jeff’s, and we called it a night.
Day 5: From Malibu to San Diego
Sunday morning, it was time to leave Malibu and begin the next part of our California trip in San Diego.
Before checking out, we returned to a spot the boys had discovered over Shabbos. They had noticed a small lake filled with fish jumping out of the water, so they wanted to go back and show it to me.
The Location was ‘Malibu Lagoon’, a peaceful area where the water meets the ocean. We watched the fish jumping – a really cool sight!
Point Dume and the Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Our next stop was Point Dume, along with another nearby coastal park.
We took a relaxing walk along the cliffs and were rewarded with incredible views over the Pacific Ocean. Some sections were surprisingly steep, with dramatic drops toward the water below, so be careful when visiting with young children.
From the cliffs, we watched surfers riding the waves far below us. Between the blue water, rocky coastline, massive cliffs, and surfers, the scenery was absolutely beautiful.
It was one of those stops that didn’t require a major activity or expensive admission. We simply walked around, enjoyed the views, took some pictures, and appreciated our final few hours in Malibu.
Lunch at PitaBu
Before leaving Malibu, we headed back to PitaBu, the kosher restaurant located next to Chabad of Malibu.
The restaurant is owned and operated by Chabad and serves a great selection of Israeli and Mediterranean-style food. We ordered falafel, fish and chips, and ice cream.
The falafel was amazing, the fish and chips were fresh and delicious, and the (Kleins) ice cream was the perfect way to finish up our lunch before heading back to the car.
San Diego
After lunch, we began the approximately 2½-hour drive from Malibu to San Diego.
In San Diego, we checked into the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
This hotel cost less—and required fewer Hyatt points—than the Hyatt we had stayed at in Santa Monica. The service was excellent. From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming, helpful, and provided top-level service.
The hotel overlooks Mission Bay and has a marina filled with boats, giving the entire property a relaxing waterfront-resort atmosphere.
The biggest highlight for the kids was the pool area, which includes lagoon-style pools and three waterslides. After spending several hours in the car, they were thrilled to swim, try the slides, and burn off some energy.
We also walked around the bay, looked at the boats in the marina, and enjoyed the hotel grounds before getting ready for supper.
Hotel Tip: If you’re traveling to San Diego with children, the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is a great points option. The pools, waterslides, marina, and waterfront setting make the hotel feel like part of the vacation—not simply a place to sleep.
Dinner at Hamitbach
For dinner, we went to Hamitbach, a kosher Israeli and Mediterranean-style restaurant in San Diego’s Mission Valley area.
The restaurant was completely packed when we arrived, which is generally a good sign. It had a lively, casual atmosphere and served solid Israeli-style food, including shawarma, kebabs, schnitzel etc…
Old Town San Diego
After dinner, we visited Old Town San Diego, which ended up being a really enjoyable nighttime activity.
The area feels like stepping into an old Mexican village from another era. It has historic buildings, courtyards, small shops, colorful decorations, restaurants, and exhibits showing what early San Diego was like.
It was completely different from the beaches, resorts, and modern parts of California we had seen throughout the trip.
Afterward, we headed back to the Hyatt, exhausted from another packed day, and quickly fell asleep.
Watch the daily recap here:
Day 6: Pizza, SeaWorld, La Jolla Cove & Heading Home
Our final day in California had arrived, and after such a packed week, we allowed ourselves to sleep a little later.
We had a 2:00 PM late checkout at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. This gave us time to pack without rushing, let the kids enjoy the hotel for a little longer, and figure out how we wanted to spend our final few hours in San Diego.
We didn’t have a firm plan for the day and somehow it all worked out perfectly.
Lunch at La Mesa Pizzaworks
After checking out, we headed to La Mesa Pizzaworks, a kosher dairy restaurant located approximately 15 minutes from the hotel.
The food was great, but everything is prepared fresh, so expect to wait approximately 15–20 minutes for a few slices of pizza. If you’re in a rush, especially before a flight or scheduled attraction, consider ordering ahead.
The restaurant serves pizza, pasta, calzones, salads, soups, and other dairy favorites. It is also Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel, and Bishul Yisroel under the Vaad Harabanim of San Diego.
The real highlight, however, was dessert.
We ordered their Monster Cookie, a massive warm cookie topped with ice cream. It was large enough to serve approximately six people, completely over-the-top, and absolutely epic.
We would honestly return just for that dessert!
Pro Tip: Order your pizza in advance if you’re on a tight schedule—but definitely leave enough time and room for the Monster Cookie.
A Last-Minute Trip to SeaWorld
While eating lunch, we decided at the last minute to buy tickets to SeaWorld San Diego.
The park was closing at 6:00 PM that day, and our flight wasn’t until approximately 9:30 PM, so the timing worked out perfectly. We wouldn’t have an entire day there, but we still had enough time to experience many of the main attractions.
SeaWorld ended up being an amazing final activity for the family.
Dolphin and Orca Shows
The dolphin and orca shows were incredible.
Watching the dolphins jump, race through the water, and interact with their trainers was a major highlight. The orcas were equally impressive—their size and power are difficult to appreciate until you see them up close.
Pro Tip: Check the show schedule as soon as you enter the park. The presentations only happen at specific times, and if you are visiting for a partial day like we were, you’ll want to plan everything else around them.
Wild Arctic
We also explored the Wild Arctic area, which was another family favorite. Seeing the penguins, walruses and many other less common animals, was really cool.
The New Shark Encounter
One of SeaWorld’s newest experiences was the reimagined Shark Encounter, and it was amazing.
The main attraction is a glass underwater tunnel with a moving walkway. As you travel through it, sharks and other marine life swim beside you and directly overhead, creating the feeling that you’re standing inside the aquarium.
The sharks weren’t all massive, but being surrounded by them inside the transparent tunnel was still an incredible experience. The updated exhibit also includes new viewing areas and educational displays about the different shark species.
SeaWorld ended up being an amazing final activity for the family. In addition to the animal presentations and exhibits, the park has some great thrill rides and water attractions.
The boys especially enjoyed Journey to Atlantis, a water-flume and roller-coaster combination with a major splash at the end.
It was extremely well done and definitely something you shouldn’t miss.
Pro tip: If you visit over the weekend there are a lot more shows. During the week it’s a bit quieter and cheaper but some of the show attractions will be closed.
La Jolla Cove and the Sea Lions
After SeaWorld closed, we drove to La Jolla Cove to see the famous sea lions.
The sea lions gather on and around the rocks near the shoreline, and you can watch them swimming, sleeping, barking, and interacting with one another from surprisingly close by.
It was a quick stop, but it was absolutely worth it. The coastline itself is beautiful, and seeing the sea lions in their natural environment was the perfect finale for our California experience.
Important: Give the sea lions plenty of space. They are wild animals, and visitors should never touch, approach, or block them.
Ralphs Kosher Experience
Before heading to the airport, we stopped at the Ralphs in La Jolla, which has one of the best kosher supermarket departments we’ve seen while traveling.
This isn’t just a regular grocery store with one small kosher shelf. It carries fresh kosher meat, sushi, deli items, prepared foods, baked goods, packaged groceries, and plenty of options for travelers.
We picked up food for the flight home, which was much better than hoping to find something kosher at the airport or relying entirely on snacks.
Kosher Travel Tip: If you are beginning or ending a San Diego trip, Ralphs in La Jolla is an excellent place to stock up. It is especially useful for Shabbos supplies, fresh food, or meals for the flight home.
Heading Home
After Ralphs, we returned our rental car and arrived at the airport at approximately 8:00 PM for our 9:30 PM flight.
The timing was a little tight, but b”h everything worked out!
Kosher California Travel FAQ
Planning a trip to Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu and San Diego while keeping kosher and observing Shabbos? These are the practical answers we wish we had before our family trip.
Spend Shabbos in Malibu
Stay near Chabad and enjoy an unforgettable oceanfront Shabbos.
Kosher Food Is Easy
LA has dozens of kosher restaurants, bakeries, markets and takeout options.
Combine LA & San Diego
The cities are close enough to experience both during one weeklong trip.
What Kosher Travelers Need to Know
Tap any question to see our firsthand tips, prices and recommendations.
Is Southern California a good destination for kosher families?
Absolutely. Southern California offers a great combination of kosher food, beaches, theme parks, museums, shopping and family-friendly attractions. Los Angeles has one of the largest kosher restaurant scenes in the country, Malibu offers a beautiful Shabbos experience near Chabad, and San Diego has plenty of attractions and a surprisingly good kosher-food selection.
How many days do you need for Los Angeles, Malibu and San Diego?
We spent approximately one week covering Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Oxnard, Malibu and San Diego. We stayed three nights in Santa Monica, spent Shabbos in Malibu and finished the trip in San Diego. You could easily stay longer, but one week worked very well for our family.
Should you fly into Los Angeles or San Diego?
Check both airports before booking. We booked pretty last minute with American Airlines points, and San Diego had much better availability than Los Angeles. Since we planned to finish the trip in San Diego anyway, flying there simply added a drive of less than two hours at the beginning. Flying into one city and home from the other can also eliminate unnecessary backtracking.
Is San Diego close enough to combine with Los Angeles?
Yes. Depending on traffic and where you begin, the drive generally takes approximately two to three hours. Our drive from Malibu to San Diego took around 2½ hours. Southern California traffic can add significant time, so do not build a tight schedule around the estimated arrival time.
Where are the main kosher areas in Los Angeles?
Pico-Robertson is LA’s main kosher-food hub, with dozens of restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and takeout options. La Brea/Hancock Park is another major Orthodox neighborhood closer to Hollywood, although its restaurant selection is smaller. You can also find kosher food outside these neighborhoods, including markets with large kosher departments.
Is there kosher food near Santa Monica?
Yes. Pico-Robertson is approximately a 15-minute drive from Santa Monica without heavy traffic. We picked up breakfast from Schwartz Bakery and ordered large hot pretzels from The Bagel Factory through Uber Eats. There are also supermarkets in and around Santa Monica that carry kosher products.
Are there Cholov Yisroel options in Los Angeles and Malibu?
Yes, but not every kosher dairy establishment is Cholov Yisroel. The Bagel Factory’s dairy products were Cholov Stam during our visit. In Malibu, we found Cholov Yisroel soft-serve ice cream and packaged frozen treats. Always verify the current status directly with the restaurant or supervising agency.
Can you bring kosher food into Universal Studios Hollywood?
We brought food and snacks for the day after stopping at a kosher market and ordering pretzels from The Bagel Factory. We also spotted some packaged kosher ices and frozen treats at different stands inside the park. Check every package for a reliable kosher symbol because the available brands can change.
What are the best attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Our top four were:
- WaterWorld
- The World-Famous Studio Tour
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Super Nintendo World
The Studio Tour lasted close to an hour and was one of the park’s most unique experiences. WaterWorld was absolutely epic, with live actors, boats, fire, explosions and unbelievable stunts.
Is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library worth visiting?
Definitely. It was one of the most fascinating stops of our trip. The museum covers Reagan’s life and presidency and includes personal belongings, historical documents and the jacket he wore during the 1981 assassination attempt. The biggest highlight was walking through the actual Air Force One used by multiple presidents. Give yourself at least three to four hours.
Can you spend Shabbos in Malibu?
Yes. Chabad of Malibu hosts Shabbos services and meals, and there are several vacation rentals within walking distance. We stayed in an oceanfront Airbnb less than five minutes from Chabad. The large porch, quiet surroundings and sound of waves crashing throughout Shabbos made it one of our most memorable travel experiences.
Where should you stay for Shabbos in Malibu?
Look for a rental within confirmed walking distance of Chabad of Malibu. Several nearby properties are managed by Stay Awhile Villas and may appear under names such as SA Beach. Always check the actual walking route before booking—a place that looks close on a map may be difficult to reach because of hills, highways or missing sidewalks.
Can you save money by booking a Malibu Airbnb last minute?
Possibly. We saw prices drop as the weekend approached when some oceanfront rentals remained available. Waiting can produce a much better price, but it also risks losing the best properties, especially those within walking distance of Chabad.
How much did Shabbos at Chabad of Malibu cost?
For our family of two adults and two children, the meals for the entire Shabbos cost approximately $320. We found the food solid and the price reasonable for Malibu. The rabbi and his wife were extremely welcoming, and the smaller setting made it easy to meet Jewish travelers from different places. Reserve and confirm current pricing in advance.
What is the Shabbos atmosphere like at Chabad of Malibu?
It is warm, personal and relatively intimate. The rabbi and his wife made everyone feel welcome, and we enjoyed meeting visitors from around the world. It felt less like a huge tourist meal and more like joining a small community for Shabbos.
Where can you eat kosher food in Malibu?
We ate at Pita ‘Bu, the Israeli and Mediterranean-style kosher restaurant next to Chabad. It serves falafel, fish and chips, fish tacos, salads, ice cream and other casual food. We visited more than once and particularly enjoyed the falafel, fries, fish and chips and soft-serve ice cream.
What are the best outdoor attractions in Malibu?
Our favorites included Malibu Lagoon, Point Dume, nearby cliffside trails, watching surfers and driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Point Dume had incredible coastal views. Some paths are sandy and steep, so wear proper shoes and keep children close near cliff edges.
Is there enough kosher food in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego has fewer kosher restaurants than Los Angeles, but enough to make a family trip easy. We ate at Hamitbach, an Israeli and Mediterranean meat restaurant, and La Mesa Pizzaworks, a kosher dairy restaurant. Ralphs in La Jolla also has an extensive kosher department.
What kosher food is available at Ralphs in La Jolla?
During our visit, Ralphs carried fresh kosher meat, sushi, deli and prepared foods, baked goods and packaged groceries. We stopped before heading to the airport and purchased food for the flight. Inventory and certifications can change, so inspect individual products and call ahead if you need something specific.
Is La Mesa Pizzaworks Cholov Yisroel?
During our visit, La Mesa Pizzaworks was Cholov Yisroel, Pas Yisroel and Bishul Yisroel under the Vaad Harabanim of San Diego. Fresh whole pizzas took approximately 15–20 minutes, so order ahead when you are in a rush. Do not miss the Monster Cookie—a huge warm cookie topped with ice cream and large enough to share.
What is a good Hyatt hotel for families in San Diego?
We enjoyed the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. It cost less and required fewer Hyatt points than our Santa Monica hotel during this trip. The service was excellent, and the waterfront property has marina views, lagoon-style pools and three waterslides.
Is SeaWorld San Diego worth visiting for only a few hours?
Yes, if you plan carefully. We bought tickets at the last minute and still experienced the dolphin and orca presentations, Wild Arctic and the reimagined Shark Encounter. Check the presentation schedule immediately and plan the rest of your visit around those times.
Where can you see sea lions in San Diego?
Visit La Jolla Cove. Sea lions gather on the rocks near the shoreline, and visitors can watch them swimming, sleeping and interacting. They are wild animals, so keep a respectful distance and never touch, approach or block them.
What were the biggest highlights of the trip?
- Oceanfront Shabbos in Malibu
- The welcoming atmosphere at Chabad of Malibu
- Walking through Air Force One
- Universal Studios’ WaterWorld and Studio Tour
- Dinner at Herzog Wine Cellars
- Santa Monica Pier and Point Dume
- SeaWorld and the sea lions at La Jolla Cove
- The Monster Cookie at La Mesa Pizzaworks
What are your top tips for kosher families?
Use Santa Monica as a convenient base for LA but expect to drive to Pico-Robertson for the largest kosher selection. For Shabbos, reserve a Malibu rental within confirmed walking distance of Chabad and register for meals in advance. In San Diego, use Ralphs in La Jolla to stock up. Most importantly, leave extra time for Southern California traffic.
Conclusion
California is a beautiful state, and Malibu may be one of its most stunning cities. With Los Angeles offering an incredible variety of kosher food and San Diego packed with family-friendly attractions, this trip had the perfect combination of great food, beautiful scenery, exciting activities, and a great Shabbos.
We just wrapped up an exciting trip to California, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our recap! Comment and ask any questions you may have below! What city should we explore next? Whether it’s a favorite destination or a hidden gem, your suggestions are invaluable to us! Please comment below! To reach our travel team, click HERE
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